Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Alternative names: Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch
Number of episodes: 50 (2 seasons)
Streaming available on: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime (Season 1), Aniverse (Amazon Prime Premium channel)
In a futuristic version of the world, the Holy Britannian Empire has almost conquered the entire planet – including Japan, which is now known only as “Sector 11 of the Britannian Empire”.
The student Lelouch Lamperouge acquires a special power called “Geass” through a series of events, which allows him to impose an order on anyone that the person must follow.
Lelouch then takes on the disguise of “Zero” – a freedom fighter who wants to liberate Japan from the British and does not shy away from terrorist acts.
What is the plot twist in Code Geass?
Towards the end of the series, Lelouch increasingly becomes a dictator who ultimately manages to subjugate basically the whole world and unite it in fear. In the final episode, Lelouch is then attacked and killed by an unknown individual who assumes his role as “Zero” – because Lelouch has become exactly what he always wanted to fight against.
The truth is, however, that Lelouch has meticulously planned his own assassination to free the people from the tyranny of the Britons. Because only the public execution of the dictator in broad daylight would ensure that the subsequent uprisings could enable a more peaceful future.
The whole series plays with the theme of betrayal and deception that Lelouch practices – and in the end, he has deceived all the viewers as well.
